Description
Stanton Moore Conversations available now! Stanton Moore calls his latest recording, Conversations, both a “return to my roots and a reinvention.” The New Orleans drummer, who by all counts is regarded as one of the great funk musicians of his time, has delivered his first straight-ahead jazz trio album. The collection signifies a return to Moore’s roots in that he finally gets the opportunity to record with pianist David Torkanowsky and bassist James Singleton whom he came up playing alongside on the New Orleans’ club circuit. It’s a reinvention because after years of delivering huge grooves and unrelenting funk at some of the world’s most revered rock clubs and festivals, Moore is stepping back to focus on the subtlety of swing and improvisation, while presenting the music at intimate venues like that of his jazz trio’s home-base, Snug Harbor.
As for the album’s title, one listen and it’s clear. There’s a vigorous musical dialogue happening among the three musicians, as they share stories, explore ideas and trade thoughts on tracks like “Lauren Z,” “Big Greaze” and Herbie Hancock’s classic “Driftin.” The Big Easy is always close at hand with the majority of the album’s repertoire being drawn from New Orleans composers, including James Black (“Magnolia Triangle” and “In The Keyhole”), Steve Masakowski (“The Chase”) and Paul Barbarin (“Paul Barbarin’s Second Line”).
With Conversations, Stanton Moore shines a light on a side of his musical personality that will be new to fans, but every bit as compelling as the substantial body of work he’s established over the course of his 20-year career.